The overall performance of the Leica T has been improved dramatically in today’s release of firmware version 1.4. In addition to a much faster start-up and optimised touch interface, focus speed has been doubled. The firmware also expands lens support, including profiles for current and upcoming TL full-frame lenses.
Leica also announces two further APS-C lenses for the T system which will become available in 2016. In Spring a new Leica Summilux-TL 35mm f/1.4 ASPH will arrive, followed in the Autumn by the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH. This second lens will be available in either black or silver finish.
Leica press release
LEICA T: new firmware update 1.4 and expansion of lens portfolio bring greater speed and even more versatility
Leica Camera has today announced a new firmware update for the Leica T camera system. Customers can now download the new version 1.4 firmware from the Leica web site (uk.leica-camera.com). Alternatively, the update can be carried out as part of a complementary service at Leica Customer Care and Leica Stores, where customers can also receive any required advice at the same time.
The new firmware significantly increases the speed of the Leica T and improves its entire performance profile. Leica T users will see a considerable improvement, particularly in Live View mode, which now starts up in a fraction of a second. Furthermore, the camera’s autofocus has been doubled in speed. Touch-screen control has also been optimised and now offers response times three times as fast, for example in Review mode.
In addition, the firmware update expands the portfolio of Leica lenses that can be used on the Leica T. As the camera shares the same Leica L bayonet mount with the new Leica SL system camera, updating the firmware enables SL lenses to be used with the T body. The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–90 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH. will be available from 16 November 2015 and further SL-System lenses, including the Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8–4 and the Leica Summilux-SL 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. will follow next year.
New T camera system lenses
In 2016, Leica will launch a further two new lenses for the Leica T camera system, bringing even greater versatility in all photographic situations. As the Leica T and Leica SL share the same L bayonet mount, this will be indicated by the designation ‘TL’ on all new Leica T lenses. The Leica Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. (SRP £1,350 including VAT) is scheduled to be available in Spring 2016 and will be joined by the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. in Autumn of the same year. Together with the existing Leica Summicron-T 23 mm f/2 ASPH., this completes the trio of Leica T camera system prime lenses. The Leica Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH., which is available for the first time with either a black or silver finish, stands out thanks to its exceptional imaging performance, delivering pictures with the inimitable ‘Leica look’ and unmistakeable bokeh.
Additional information can be found at www.uk.leica-camera.com.
Well, not bad, but I was (and still am) hoping they’d implement focus peaking…
Surely the T already has focus peaking?
Has it really? If so, silly me… 😉
So of course I had to check–even checking my own test of the T. And it transpires you are right and there is no focus peaking. I also reminded myself that focus magnification when using a manual lens is not automatic. I had got it into my head that the T managed this trick and have been thinking dark thoughts about the SL when I found that it didn’t automatically sense focus ring movement in an M lens. In this it seems both the T and the SL are the same. However, to add further confusion, the SL does offer focus peaking. This is the problem of using too many cameras.
Haha, yes, using more than one camera can be confusing…
The Q has focus peaking as well. It’s a bit puzzling why the T does not…